Dick Campbell ‘humbled by fans reaction’ after Forfar sacking

CRAIG P STEWART

DICK Campbell, who lost his title as the longest-serving manager in Scottish football when he was dismissed by Forfar on Saturday night, has admitted that the reaction from the Station Park fans has left him humbled.

The 62-year-old’s reign at Station Park that began in May 2008 was brought to an end after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Cowdenbeath and Campbell has been lifted by the messages he has received.

Campbell said: “After more than 45 years in football I thought I had felt every emotion possible, however the reaction to my sacking by Forfar has left me feeling extremely humble. I have phone messages, texts and e-mails sent to me wishing me all the best and telling me that they are sorry to see me, my brother Ian and coach John Young go.

“We have all been at the club for a long time and have loved it.”

The Loons acted after a winless run in the league was stretched to 11 games and despite the feelings of disappointment Campbell has at the decision, he refused to have a go at chairman Alastair Donald.

Campbell said: “We are only six points off a fourth promotion campaign during my time as manager and remain in the Scottish Cup.

“When I came here the club was bottom of Scottish football at the foot of Division Three.

“Forfar have improved during my time in charge.”

Scottish football has not seen the last of Campbell as he added defiantly: “I have been in a dug-out as a coach, assistant manager and manager for something like 1,230 games.

“I want to make it 1,300 at least before I look to do something else.

“Saturday was a strange day and it must be the only time when the sacked manager of Forfar has ended up being quoted for the St Mirren job.

“It may not be St Mirren but I will be back!”

Campbell’s dismissal moved the spotlight away from the biggest game of the season so far in League 1 with leaders Dunfermline seeing off second-placed Ayr United 2-1 at Somerset Park.

Albion Rovers’ fine season continued with a 1-0 win at Stenhousemuir, while bottom of the table Brechin came from behind to draw 1-1 with Peterhead and Airdrie won 3-1 at Stranraer.